PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANIES (Profits)

Mr D. S. Marshall asked the Financial Secretary how many of the 127 public limited companies registered in Singapore made a profit in 1955 exceeding 10 per cent of their paid-up capital, and the aggregate total of such profits.

Mr Hart: I told the hon. Member on the 21st of November that I would endeavour to give him the information which he seeks at this sitting of the Assembly. Unfortunately, this has not proved possible. The task is one of considerable magnitude. It involves a detailed examination of balance sheets and statements of accounts of 127 public companies. I regret that I cannot say when this examination will be completed. There are other matters of great importance which have to be seen to. I can assure the hon. Member, however, that I will give him the information which he seeks as soon as possible.